Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

General Description

Maitake is a large, edible mushroom native to northeastern Japan. The
only edible member of the monkey's bench family, maitake is most commonly
found at the base of Japanese oak trees, where it appears as a cluster
of overlapping gray or brown fruiting bodies, which may reach over 25
kilograms in mass.

Health Applications

Immune system support

Cardiovascular health

History and Traditional Use

Maitake is known in Japan as "the dancing mushroom," because,
according to legend, mushroom hunters who found the rare fungus were said
to dance for joy. For centuries, the mushroom has been valued for its
unique culinary and medicinal properties. During the feudal era, maitake
mushrooms were worth their weight in silver and were used as a form of
currency.

Chemical Composition

Maitake contains a complex polysaccharide compound known as beta-D-glucan,
which is believed to be responsible for the mushroom's physiological activity.

Dosage/Toxicity

Maitake supplements are available in a variety of potencies, with dosage
recommendations printed on the labeling. Maitake mushrooms are consumed
in large quantities as food, and are not associated with any toxicity.